WO2016025952A1 - Bouchon d'oreille avec récipient - Google Patents

Bouchon d'oreille avec récipient Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2016025952A1
WO2016025952A1 PCT/US2015/045530 US2015045530W WO2016025952A1 WO 2016025952 A1 WO2016025952 A1 WO 2016025952A1 US 2015045530 W US2015045530 W US 2015045530W WO 2016025952 A1 WO2016025952 A1 WO 2016025952A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ear
ear plug
elastic component
plug
component
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/045530
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Nick Williams
Original Assignee
Nick Williams
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nick Williams filed Critical Nick Williams
Priority to EP15832069.7A priority Critical patent/EP3179872A4/fr
Publication of WO2016025952A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016025952A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F11/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the ears or hearing sense; Non-electric hearing aids; Methods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing sense; Protective devices for the ears, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F11/06—Protective devices for the ears
    • A61F11/08—Protective devices for the ears internal, e.g. earplugs
    • A61F11/12—External mounting means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F11/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the ears or hearing sense; Non-electric hearing aids; Methods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing sense; Protective devices for the ears, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F11/06—Protective devices for the ears
    • A61F11/08—Protective devices for the ears internal, e.g. earplugs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1083—Reduction of ambient noise
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2220/00—Fixations or connections for prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
    • A61F2220/0025—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
    • A61F2220/0075—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements sutured, ligatured or stitched, retained or tied with a rope, string, thread, wire or cable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2250/00—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
    • A61F2250/0014—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof having different values of a given property or geometrical feature, e.g. mechanical property or material property, at different locations within the same prosthesis
    • A61F2250/0018—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof having different values of a given property or geometrical feature, e.g. mechanical property or material property, at different locations within the same prosthesis differing in elasticity, stiffness or compressibility
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2250/00—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
    • A61F2250/0014—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof having different values of a given property or geometrical feature, e.g. mechanical property or material property, at different locations within the same prosthesis
    • A61F2250/004—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof having different values of a given property or geometrical feature, e.g. mechanical property or material property, at different locations within the same prosthesis differing in coefficient of thermal expansion, e.g. dilation, dilatation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
    • H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
    • H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
    • H04M1/6058—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1016—Earpieces of the intra-aural type

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates generally to noise protection devices for human ears often referred to as ear plugs.
  • Noise protection devices for insertion into the ear canal are utilized in a variety of applications.
  • the ear plug is designed to protect the inner anatomical components of the ear from potentially damaging conditions which the ear may be exposed to. This may be accomplished by inserting a portion of the ear bud into the ear canal thereby blocking a portion of the canal from the potentially damaging environmental condition.
  • Swimmers for instance, may wear ear buds in order to prevent water from forcefully entering the ear canal thereby causing water-related damage.
  • individuals operating in loud environments may wear ear plugs in order to protect the ear from exposure damage due to high-noise levels.
  • an ear protection system may include an ear plug for insertion into at least a portion of a user's ear, the ear plug including an elastic component which may be heated to a compressible state and an inelastic component which remains in a substantially rigid state as the elastic component is heated to a compressible state,
  • the ear protection system may further include a storage container including a display section having a case dimensioned to hold the ear plug, and a seal with at least a portion of the seal removable so as to expose the ear plug held in the case, and a lid fittable over the seal.
  • an ear plug may include an elastic component including a chamber portion having an outer end and an opposed inner end, and a projection portion having a proximate end beginning at or adjacent to the chamber portion and a distal end opposed to the proximate end, the projection portion including a plurality of indentations, and an inelastic component including an internal portion, at least a part of the internal portion is substantially surrounded by the chamber portion of the elastic component, the internal portion and the chamber portion substantially co-axial.
  • the ear plug may be heated to an elevated temperature, the elastic component achieving a compressionable state at the elevated temperature and the inelastic component maintaining a substantially rigid state at the elevated temperature.
  • a method for protecting a user's ear may include providing an ear protection system, which includes an ear plug including an elastic component which may achieve a compressible state when heated to an elevated temperature, and an inelastic component which remains in a substantially rigid state at the elevated temperature, and a storage container including a display section having a case dimensioned to hold the ear plug, filling the case with a fluid while the ear plug is held in the case, thereby at least partially submerging the ear plug within the fluid, heating the fluid to the elevated temperature; compressing the elastic component of the ear plug into the compressed state, inserting the ear plug in its compressed state into the user's ear canal, and allowing the ear plug to cool and conformingly position itself within the user's ear.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of an ear plug in accordance with the disclosure
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the ear plug of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the ear plug of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the ear plug of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an ear plug in accordance with the disclosure
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the ear plug of FIG. 5 with the breakaway component removed
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of the ear plug of FIG. 5 with the breakaway component removed
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom view of the ear plug of FIG. 5 with the breakaway component removed
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom cross sectional view of the ear plug of FIG. 5 along cross sectional line 9-9 as shown in FIG. 8;
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of an ear plug in accordance with the disclosure, the elastic component shown semi-transparently;
  • FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of an ear plug shown in an inserted position within the ear canal of a user
  • FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of an ear protection system including an embodiment of an ear plug held in an embodiment of a storage container, in accordance with the disclosure
  • FIG. 13 illustrates the ear plug and storage container of FIG. 12 with the storage container sequentially arranged in an embodiment of a product display
  • FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of an ear protection system including an embodiment of two ear plugs and an embodiment of a storage container, in accordance with the disclosure
  • FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of storage container with an insertable heating compartment
  • FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a storage container with another embodiment of an insertable heating compartment
  • FIG. 17 illustrate an embodiment of a lanyard in accordance with the disclosure
  • FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of a lanyard connected with an embodiment of an ear plug, in accordance with the disclosure
  • FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of an ear plug with an attached embodiment of an electronic device
  • FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of the ear plug and attached electronic device of FIG. 19;
  • FIG. 21 illustrates a side exploded view of an embodiment of an ear plug and an embodiment of an electronic device connectable with the ear plug;
  • FIG. 22 illustrates a front-perspective view of an embodiment of an ear plug with an attached embodiment of an electronic device
  • FIG. 23 illustrates a side cross-section view of the ear plug and attached electronic device of FIG. 22.
  • FIG. 24 illustrates an exploded, rear-perspective view of the ear plug and electronic device of FIG. 22.
  • an ear protection system may include an ear plug for insertion into at least a portion of a user's ear, the ear plug including an elastic component which may be heated to a compressible state and an inelastic component which remains in a substantially rigid state as the elastic component is heated to a compressible state,
  • the ear protection system may further include a storage container including a display section having a case dimensioned to hold the ear plug, and a seal with at least a portion of the seal removable so as to expose the ear plug held in the case, and a lid fittable over the seal.
  • the display section of the storage container may include a fill edge.
  • the seal may be constructed from a substantially metallic material.
  • the seal may a tab operable to puncture the seal and pull away the removable portion of the seal when pulled by a user.
  • the ear plug may include a cap protruding from the inelastic component, and the display section may include a cavity to fittably receive the cap of the ear plug thereby securing the ear plug with a surface of the case.
  • the ear protection system may also include a lanyard, the lanyard including a cord and a securing mechanism, the securing mechanism dimensioned to securely receive the cap of the ear plug.
  • the ear protection system may further include a heating compartment, the heating compartment dimensioned to fit within the case of the display section and having an internal are for filling with a reactant.
  • the reactant may be quicklime.
  • the ear protection system may also include an electronic device having a connector attachable to the inelastic component of the ear plug.
  • an ear plug may include an elastic component including a chamber portion having an outer end and an opposed inner end, and a projection portion having a proximate end beginning at or adjacent to the chamber portion and a distal end opposed to the proximate end, the projection portion including a plurality of indentations, and an inelastic component including an internal portion, at least a part of the internal portion is substantially surrounded by the chamber portion of the elastic component, the internal portion and the chamber portion substantially co-axial.
  • the ear plug may be heated to an elevated temperature, the elastic component achieving a compressionable state at the elevated temperature and the inelastic component maintaining a substantially rigid state at the elevated temperature.
  • the projection portion of the elastic component may be substantially crescent shaped. At least one indentation of the plurality of indentations may be provided on a first surface of projection portion and at least one matching indentation may be provided adjacent to the first surface on an opposed surface to the first surface.
  • the inelastic component may include an insertion portion, the insertion portion projecting from the internal portion in a direction substantially co-axial with the internal portion and the chamber portion of the elastic component.
  • the elastic component may further include an insertion portion, the insertion portion may project chamber portion in a direction substantially co-axial with the chamber portion and the internal portion of the inelastic component.
  • the inelastic component may further include a cap projecting from the internal portion proximate to the outer end of the elastic component, the cap substantially co-axial with the chamber portion and the internal portion.
  • the inelastic component may be substantially manufactured from Ethylene- vinyl acetate.
  • the elastic component may be substantially manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer.
  • a method for protecting a user's ear may include providing an ear protection system, which includes an ear plug including an elastic component which may achieve a compressible state when heated to an elevated temperature, and an inelastic component which remains in a substantially rigid state at the elevated temperature, and a storage container including a display section having a case dimensioned to hold the ear plug, filling the case with a fluid while the ear plug is held in the case, thereby at least partially submerging the ear plug within the fluid, heating the fluid to the elevated temperature; compressing the elastic component of the ear plug into the compressed state, inserting the ear plug in its compressed state into the user's ear canal, and allowing the ear plug to cool and conformingly position itself within the user's ear.
  • the fluid may be heated by placing the case filled with the fluid and holding the ear plug into a microwave and activating the microwave.
  • the fluid may be water and the water may be heated by placing a compartment into the case filled with fluid, the compartment holding quicklime thereby causing a thermal reaction to heat the water.
  • an ear plug 10 is provided for protecting the ear canal of a user.
  • Ear plug 10 may be composed of a first, formable component 20 and a second non- formable component 30.
  • Formable component 20 may be elastic and may be compressible for insertion into the cavity of a user's ear, in accordance with embodiments described herein.
  • non-formable component 30 may be plastic or inelastic and designed to remain substantially rigid whereas formable component 20 is compressible.
  • Elastic or formable component 20 may include a chamber portion 22 for holding an internal portion 32 of plastic component 30. In some embodiments, all or part of internal portion 32 may be circumferentially surrounded by chamber portion 22, while in other embodiments such as the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, only a portion of internal portion 32 may be surrounded.
  • elastic chamber 22 may be substantially cylindrical and may include an outer end 22A and an inner end 22B.
  • elastic component 20 may further include a projecting portion 24 which may project away from chamber portion 22.
  • projecting portion 24 may be formed into a crescent or semi-circular shape having a first or distal projection end 24A and a second or proximate projection end 24B.
  • Projecting portion 24 may also include a plurality of cavities or indentations 26. Each of the indentations 26 may have a shallow enough depth to permit the existence of indentations on both sides of projecting portion 24, however embodiments where indentations 26 are provided on only the front or rear side are also contemplated within the disclosure.
  • distal end 24A of projecting portion 24 may have a narrower width than the base end 24B of projecting portion 24 proximate to chamber 22, and in one embodiment the distal end 24A of projection portion 24 may come to a point. This change in thickness from proximate end 24B to distal end 24A may constitute a tapering of projecting portion 24.
  • Ear plug 10 may also include an insertion portion 34 defined between a first or distal insertion end 34B and second or proximate insertion end 34A.
  • the proximate insertion end 34A may be defined adjacent to inner end 22B of chamber portion 22.
  • the insertion portion is an extension of internal portion 32 of plastic component 30.
  • the plastic component 30 may extend from outer end 22A to distal insertion end 34B, with elastic component 20 surrounding at least part of internal portion 32.
  • the insertion portion 34 may alternatively be an extension of elastic component 20.
  • FIGS. 5-9 illustrate another embodiment of ear plug 10 including an insertable component or pin 50 having a head 52 and a stem 54 projecting away from head 52.
  • a distal portion of stem 54 may be insertable into a channel 28 running through at least a portion of chamber 22.
  • channel 28 radially bisects chamber 22 and extends from outer end 22A to insertion end 34B.
  • Breakaway component 50 may be an overmolded thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) material.
  • TPV thermoplastic vulcanizate
  • a user of ear plug 10 may pull on breakaway component 50 thereby removing breakaway component 50 from chamber 22 in order to reveal channel 28. With channel 28 revealed, various items or materials may be introduced into channel 28, for instance audio amplifying devices such as electronic ear phones or filters of various noise reduction.
  • chamber 28 is defined through plastic component 30, while in other embodiments plastic component 30 may be limited to projecting portion 34 while elastic component 20 defines chamber 32, and channel 28 is defined through elastic component 20.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates an additional embodiment of ear plug 10 where at least the outer surface of insertion portion 34 is constructed from formable material 20, and the informable portion 30 includes an insertion member 60.
  • insertion member 60 may include an internal portion 62 substantially surrounded by formable elastic material 20, and a cap 64 provided substantially external from the formable material 20.
  • This embodiment of ear plug 10 may allow for communication systems or devices to be used with the ear plug 10 including but not limited to BLUETOOTH, headphones, earbuds, or headsets. Additional embodiments of ear plug 10 as may utilized with electronic devices or communication systems are discussed in further detail below.
  • the cap 64 of the informal portion 30 may not necessarily be similarly heated and, thus, a user may grab 64 to avoid burning from touching formable portion 20, especially if the formable portion 20 was overheated.
  • plastic component 30 may be manufactured from EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate), polyester material, such as polycaprolactone resin, compounded under heat. Such a compounding made in a double shear compounder or a similar mechanism, and the polyester resin may be combined with calcium carbonate and or glass bubbles as well as coloring agents or pigments. This resulting polyester based compound may be next formed into pellets for molding as part of the manufacturing process. The resulting compound may be mixed with additional polyester material as a master batch or can alternatively be used directly in molding depending on the desired color or cooling concentrations. The mixed compound may then be fed into an injection molding machine with variable parameters.
  • EVA Ethylene-vinyl acetate
  • polyester material such as polycaprolactone resin
  • Example parameters associated with the injection molding machine may include a barrel temperature of 120-220°F, a pressure of approximately 1500 psi at 50% speed, and a charging pressure of approximately 1000 psi.
  • the material may then be injected into a material mold having superior heat conducting properties as the injected material.
  • the plastic component may be thereby formed into a chamber held portion 32 and a chamber projection portion 34, or formed into an insertion member 60 with an internal portion 62 and cap 64.
  • embodiments featuring a projecting portion 34 may begin with initially shaping projection portion 34 into a cone having a wider base end 34A than an insertion end 34B, so as to accommodate insertion in the user's ear canal. Once cooled, the formed plastic component 30 may then be prepared for its combination with elastic component 20, as further described herein.
  • Elastic component 20 may be formed from an elastic material including a thermoplastic elastomer, such pololefin blend, elastomeric alloys, syternic block copolymers, or other known or to be developed thermoplastic elastomers, and potentially as well as silicone, rubber or other elastic material.
  • This elastic material may be injected over or around the formed plastic component 30, namely around chamber portion 32 or internal portion 62, depending on the embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a method of using ear plug 10, where insertion end 34B is inserted into the ear canal of a user.
  • elastic component 20 Prior to insertion of insertion end 34B into a user's ear, elastic component 20 may be heated in of the variety of ways described herein.
  • a user may dip ear plug 10, and more particularly elastic component 20, into a hot fluid such as hot or boiling water.
  • ear plug 10 may be submerged in a container of water, and as the water is heated, by a microwave or stove top for instance, the elastic component 20 enters into a conformable or compressible state. This elevation in temperature may then permit reformation of elastic component 20 to compress and form to the user's ear canal upon insertion of insertion portion 34.
  • Such a reformation may permit elastic portion 20 to compress as insertion end 34B is inserted into the ear canal.
  • Elastic component 20 may then reform from its original crescent shape into a conforming shape with the user's outer ear, which may include conforming to the shape defined, at least in part, by the concha and antihelix of the ear.
  • Cavities 26 may assist in the compression of formable component 20 by creating and providing pockets of missing material from which the remaining elastic material may compress into. While projecting portion may operate to block sound, fluid, or any other undesirable material or objects during operation of ear plug 10, the conformed placement of formable component 20 may further assist in blocking sound, fluid, or any other undesirable material or objects from entering ear canal 10.
  • formable component may operate to absorb sound thereby increasing the effectiveness of ear plug 10 operating as a sound protection device for the user's ear.
  • the chamber portion 32 of plastic component 30 may be substantially planar at or near outer end 22A in order to accommodate an advertisement, logo, symbol, or other message which may be seen by a third party viewing the ear plug 10 as worn by a user.
  • a handle or extrusion, such as cap 64, may also be provided at or proximate to outer end 22A.
  • ear plug 10 may include electronic noise canceling transistors molded into plug 10.
  • Additives may also be included in the manufacture of either formable component 20 or plastic component 30 in order to adjust material characteristics of the components.
  • micro glass and hollow glass spheres also referred to as glass bubbles, may be added to increase the noise reduction rating of plug 10.
  • the glass bubbles may be in the approximately 17 micron range with a crush strength at or near 28,000 psi.
  • Such an additive may assist in the molding process, the noise reduction range, or both.
  • elastic component 20 has an elevated temperature, as may be performed by a user as described herein, the user may cut or otherwise remove excess material inhibiting a tight or comfortable formation to the user's outer ear.
  • FIGS. 12-14 illustrate embodiments of a storage container 100 for holding embodiments of ear plug 10.
  • Storage container 100 may be composed of a display section 110 joinable with a lid section 120.
  • Display section 110 may include a seal 112 with lid side surface 112B and a substantially opposed display side surface 112B, with an outer perimeter 114 defined there between and at the edge of the seal 112.
  • seal 112 is substantially circular and formed from a metallic or substantially metallic material. By constructing seal 112 with round and smooth surfaces, such as a conforming perimeter 114 into a circular or oval dimension, then container 100 may be safely used in a microwave, which is one method to heat a fluid as described herein, even though seal 112 includes metallic or substantially metallic material.
  • Lid 120 which may have an outer perimeter 122 substantially corresponding with the display outer perimeter 114. Lid outer perimeter 122 may then snap fit over display outer perimeter 114, or in another embodiment display outer perimeter 114 may snap fit over lid outer perimeter 122. Lid 120 may be removed, for instance, by grasping a handle 124 protruding from a portion of lid 120. In the illustrated embodiment, handle 124 protrudes from an area proximate to outer perimeter 122. A design surface 126 may also be provided so as to display a logo, symbol, text, or other design on a top surface of lid 120.
  • a display case 118 may be secured to the display side surface 112B.
  • Case 118 may be sized and dimensioned to hold an embodiment of ear plug 10 between display case 118 and display side surface 112B.
  • Case 118 may also be constructed of a substantially transparent material so that a stored ear plug 10 may be viewable from outside container 100.
  • a tab 116 may be provided on lid side surface 112A. Tab 116 may be lifted in order to puncture a seal between outer perimeter 114 and surfaces 112A/112B thereby permitting a user to pull away a portion of the material and access ear plug 10 stored within display case 118.
  • one embodiment of display case 118 may include one or more hollowed-out spaces or cavities 128 at the bottom edge of the display case 118.
  • the hollowed-out spaces may allow an embodiment of ear plug 10 to be secured to display case, for instance by insertion of tip head 55 or cap 64 into hollowed-out space 128.
  • two cavities 128 may be provided to accommodate secure storage of both plugs 10.
  • a fill edge or shelf 130 may be provided on an interior side of case 118.
  • Fill edge 130 may laterally or radially project away in order to define the fill edge or shelf 130
  • Water or another heatable fluid may be filled up fill edge 130, which would be placed at a dimension substantially corresponding to a length of held plug(s) 10.
  • filling the case 118 with fluid up to fill edge 130 would correspond with a fill line sufficiently submerging held plug(s) in the fluid.
  • a display stand 200 may hold a plurality of display cases 100.
  • at least ten (10) display cases 100 are held in a linear arrangement for selection by a user, with design surface 126 presented outwardly as most visible by a potential user.
  • storage container 100 may further include a heating compartment 132 insertable within display case 118.
  • the insertable heating compartment 132 may be infused with thermal inducing material.
  • compartment 132 may be infused with calcium oxide, commonly referred to as quicklime or burnt lime. Adding water to compartment 132 with infused material, such as quicklime, may then create an exothermal reaction for heating ear plug 10.
  • the insertable compartment 132 may include a bottom portion 134 joinable with an upper portion 136, with a plurality of holes through the bottom portion, upper portion, or both.
  • compartment 132 may be formed into a relatively thin pad.
  • FIG. 15 shows for instance in FIG.
  • bottom portion 136 may conformingly dimensioned to forcibly fit within an internal portion of case 118.
  • a removable sticker or sealing surface 138 may be provided over upper portion 134, bottom portion 136, or both. Sticker 138 may therefore keep quicklime or other material stored in bottom portion 134 from spilling during transportation of storage container 100. Removal of sticker 138 may thereby expose the internal area of bottom portion 136, allowing water to be added thereby initiating the exothermal reaction.
  • FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an embodiment of a lanyard 300 for securing embodiments of ear plugs 10.
  • the lanyard 300 may be comprised of a cord 302 and a securing mechanism 304 attached at both ends of the cord 302.
  • the cord 302 may also be a rope, string or wire.
  • the cord 302 may be manufactured from polyester, nylon, satin, silk, polyethylene terephthalate, or leather.
  • the securing mechanisms 304 at both ends of the cord 302 may include a ring, hoop, or hook that attaches to the tip 53 or the cap 64 of ear plug 10. Securing the lanyard 300 to each of the ear plugs 10 prevents the ear plugs 10 becoming separated when not secured inside the storage container 100.
  • securing the lanyard 300 to each of the ear plugs 10 allows a user to position the lanyard 300 with attached ear plugs 10 around a neck or shoulder when not inside ears.
  • a secured lanyard 300 may facilitate the user to manipulate the position of ear plugs 10, particularly after the ear plug has been heated to an elevated temperature and has been compressed. Accordingly, lanyard 300 may allow for rotation and repositioning of a formed ear plug 10.
  • FIGS. 19-24 various embodiments of ear plugs 10 may be attached to, and used in conjunction with, electronic devices 400.
  • FIGS. 19-20 and FIG. 21 illustrate embodiments of ear plug 10 having similar features to those previously disclosed herein.
  • An electronic device 400 is shown as being connectable with ear plug 10.
  • Electronic device 400 may have an electronic device connector 402, which in one embodiment may be a threaded protrusion dimensioned and shaped to attach to plastic component 30.
  • the connector 402 may be at least partially insertable into chamber portion 22. Internal threading may be provided in chamber portion 22 in order to engage matable threading with connector 402. Alternatively, connector 402 may be secured in a press-fitting and held by friction.
  • Other known or to be discovered attachments or connectors are contemplated within the disclosure for holding electronic device 400 with ear plug 10.
  • FIGS. 22-24 illustrate an additional embodiment of ear plug 10 attachable with an embodiment of an electronic device 400.
  • Elastic component 20 may include a tunnel portion 22 and a protecting portion having one or more indentations 26.
  • plastic component 30 may be removably insertable within elastic component 20, including for instance the insertion of internal portion 32 into tunnel portion 22.
  • a connector 402 of device 400 may be insertable into internal portion 32, and held within internal portion 32 for instance by friction push-fit, by matable threads, or any other known or to be developed connector or attachment.
  • the internal portion 32 may be substantially hollow throughout to permit sound passage from device 400 to pass to the user's ear.
  • Electronic device 400 may be an communication system or devices to be used with the ear plug 10 including but not limited to BLUETOOTH, headphones, earbuds, or headsets. Accordingly, transmitters, antennas, or other wireless communication technology may be incorporated into device 400. Speakers may also be provided so that a user wearing ear plug 10 may be able to hear sounds from device 400 as may be transmitted from an external source. In this regard, the user may be able to hear only select sounds emitted from device 400 while the user's ear canal is protected by the ear plug 10 from noise pollution.
  • a user may utilize ear plug 10 to protect the user's ear while still being able to hear select noise emitted from device 400, such as music or a telephone call transmitted from the user's smartphone.
  • Electronic device 400 may be constructed from any known or to be developed material suitable for constructing a device 400 as described and utilized herein.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Psychology (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Thermotherapy And Cooling Therapy Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de protection d'oreille, qui peut comprendre un bouchon d'oreille et un récipient de stockage. Le bouchon d'oreille peut comprendre un élément élastique et un élément non-élastique. Le bouchon d'oreille peut être chauffé, par exemple, en remplissant le récipient de stockage avec de l'eau, en immergeant au moins partiellement le bouchon d'oreille dans le récipient rempli d'eau, et en chauffant aux micro-ondes le récipient et le bouchon d'oreille. L'élément élastique peut ensuite devenir compressible de façon à se former à l'anatomie de l'oreille de l'utilisateur. Une pluralité d'indentations peuvent être formées sur l'élément élastique pour faciliter la compression. Le bouchon d'oreille peut également recevoir des accessoires électroniques, tels qu'un haut-parleur, ainsi qu'un cordon pour maintenir les bouchons d'oreille. Le bouchon d'oreille peut être fixé à un dispositif électronique et utilisé conjointement avec ce dernier, qui peut être un système de communication tel qu'un casque d'écoute ou un haut-parleur sans fil.
PCT/US2015/045530 2014-08-15 2015-08-17 Bouchon d'oreille avec récipient WO2016025952A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP15832069.7A EP3179872A4 (fr) 2014-08-15 2015-08-17 Bouchon d'oreille avec récipient

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201462037856P 2014-08-15 2014-08-15
US62/037,856 2014-08-15
US201562186934P 2015-06-30 2015-06-30
US62/186,934 2015-06-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016025952A1 true WO2016025952A1 (fr) 2016-02-18

Family

ID=55301288

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2015/045530 WO2016025952A1 (fr) 2014-08-15 2015-08-17 Bouchon d'oreille avec récipient

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20160045373A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP3179872A4 (fr)
WO (1) WO2016025952A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR101762142B1 (ko) * 2016-03-07 2017-08-04 한승관 이어윙
US9730837B1 (en) * 2016-06-23 2017-08-15 Daniel R. Schumaier Earplug sound blocker
CN113498613A (zh) * 2018-12-21 2021-10-12 索诺瓦公司 用于耳机的原位定制的准备设备和系统
USD978113S1 (en) * 2021-03-28 2023-02-14 Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Earphone

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5203352A (en) * 1990-10-16 1993-04-20 Cabot Safety Corporation Polymeric foam earplug
US5483027A (en) * 1994-08-24 1996-01-09 Krause; Ward B. Earplug with form-fitting fluid chambers
US20070074991A1 (en) * 2005-10-03 2007-04-05 Heisserer David M Ear plug package and method of manufacture
WO2013119913A1 (fr) * 2012-02-08 2013-08-15 Decibullz Llc Système d'écouteur pouvant être moulé
CN203537543U (zh) * 2013-09-26 2014-04-09 王承延 一种装于耳机上的耳廓内耳挂

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4870688A (en) * 1986-05-27 1989-09-26 Barry Voroba Mass production auditory canal hearing aid
JPH07155261A (ja) * 1993-12-03 1995-06-20 Tadaichi Sakamoto 加温容器
US7123737B2 (en) * 2002-02-13 2006-10-17 Plantronics, Inc. Ear clasp headset
US7965855B1 (en) * 2006-03-29 2011-06-21 Plantronics, Inc. Conformable ear tip with spout
US7991180B2 (en) * 2006-07-21 2011-08-02 Moon Eric E Tactilely identifiable earphones
JP5167355B2 (ja) * 2007-07-23 2013-03-21 エイシアス テクノロジーズ， エルエルシー ダイアフォニック音響変換連結器およびイヤホン
GB2504303B (en) * 2012-07-24 2016-01-06 Tobias Murray Bateson Earphones and earplugs
CN203226948U (zh) * 2013-04-12 2013-10-09 东华大学 电子隔音耳塞
US10251789B2 (en) * 2014-05-30 2019-04-09 Logitech Canada, Inc. Customizable ear insert

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5203352A (en) * 1990-10-16 1993-04-20 Cabot Safety Corporation Polymeric foam earplug
US5483027A (en) * 1994-08-24 1996-01-09 Krause; Ward B. Earplug with form-fitting fluid chambers
US20070074991A1 (en) * 2005-10-03 2007-04-05 Heisserer David M Ear plug package and method of manufacture
WO2013119913A1 (fr) * 2012-02-08 2013-08-15 Decibullz Llc Système d'écouteur pouvant être moulé
CN203537543U (zh) * 2013-09-26 2014-04-09 王承延 一种装于耳机上的耳廓内耳挂

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of EP3179872A4 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20160045373A1 (en) 2016-02-18
EP3179872A4 (fr) 2018-03-21
EP3179872A1 (fr) 2017-06-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20160045373A1 (en) Ear plug with container
US10362384B2 (en) Earphone cover
US11606639B2 (en) Earpiece intra-auricular support system
US10779073B2 (en) Moldable earpiece system
USD823317S1 (en) Mobile communication terminal with graphical user interface
USD669888S1 (en) Base cradle for a communications headset
CN208063409U (zh) 耳塞结构及耳机装置
USD628194S1 (en) Communications headset
USD659153S1 (en) Mobile phone with graphical user interface
TWM542320U (zh) 保護殼
US20110268308A1 (en) Partially Occluding Ergonomic Earbud Adapter
USD728510S1 (en) Speaker
MY162952A (en) Protective helmet, in particular for forestry workers
WO2020117333A3 (fr) Enbout auriculaire d'écouteur et écouteur associé
AU2018321556A1 (en) Reconfigurable intra-auricular support
US20160037250A1 (en) Earphone Storage Device
US9609413B2 (en) Headphone
RU2688056C1 (ru) Способ защиты мобильного телефона от падения на пол
CN204104097U (zh) 方便携带和佩戴的蓝牙耳机及其副耳机
KR101622775B1 (ko) 이어폰 고정이 용이한 휴대폰 케이스
US20110230242A1 (en) Headset protector for use with telecommunications device
CN204180242U (zh) 一种便于拆卸更换的头戴式耳机
ES2636794T3 (es) Tarjeta de datos USB
CN2875390Y (zh) 多功能保暖护耳套
US20170134064A1 (en) Apparatus for carrying a portable electronic device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 15832069

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

REEP Request for entry into the european phase

Ref document number: 2015832069

Country of ref document: EP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2015832069

Country of ref document: EP